Identification, location, and authentication systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Identification, location, and authentication systems and methods are disclosed. A system includes a master sensor node located in a physical venue and connected to a broadband network channel. A plurality of sensors is provided in the physical venue, which are in communication with the master sensor node over a wireless network channel. The plurality of sensors and the master sensor node are communicatively coupled to a mobile device over a radio frequency network channel. The master sensor node identifies the mobile device and its location, wherein the mobile device is within a predefined distance from the master sensor node. The master sensor node receives a request from the mobile device to authenticate its identity and location to a third party connected the radio frequency network channel. The master sensor node authenticates the mobile device to the third party, which provides the mobile device access to a network connection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/165,134, 62/165,138, 62/165,140, and 62/165,142 all filedMay 21, 2015, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally concerns systems and methods forenhancing communication and engagement between user devices and serviceproviders. More specifically, the invention discloses systems andmethods for identifying, locating, and authenticating devices and users,zero-wait publishing, searching, and queuing, searching and subscribingto advertisements, and virtual teleportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Online gaming is gaining popularity, but regulations of online gamingpresent numerous challenges to online gaming service providers. Forexample, currently, a user is not allowed to participate in onlinegaming unless the user is within the borders of a state that haslegalized such gaming. As such, online gaming providers must usegeo-location technology to determine the user's location. Geo-locationtechnologies help online service providers with geo-fencing, that is,placing an invisible fence around the borders of a location (e.g., astate, a building or other property, etc.), outside of which servicesare unavailable to users. However, because different service providersuse different technologies to determine users' locations, the userexperience may differ amongst different service providers.

It is believed that as many as forty percent of potential users withinlegal gaming jurisdictions are either not able to verify locationcompliance or are inadvertently kicked off a site mid-game due todiscrepancies with geo-locating services. With traditional cell ID andGPS, geo-locating services, there is no reliable way to guarantee thatthe identity of a user is less than five miles of a geo-fencing border.With such poor accuracy, service providers typically opt to disallow auser to participate, even though that user may be within a legal gamingborder, rather than accept the risk that the user may not be within thelegal border. Currently, the standard is to disallow players within fivemiles of a state border, to account for worst-case cellular locationerror limitations. An example of an existing gaming network is describedin U.S. Ser. No. 12/618,529 entitled “Gaming Control System”, filed onNov. 13, 2009 by Gregory T. Dewitt.

Furthermore, consumers rely on their mobile devices to provide relevantcontent and communication with service providers now more than everbefore. Consumers are beginning to expect service providers toanticipate and meet their needs based on their individual situations inreal-time. This expectation must be balanced against users' generalreluctance to supply service providers with sensitive personalinformation. Moreover, service providers in all fields desire to provideusers with a better user experience, cost-effectively advertise anddeliver services to users more efficiently, maximize profits, andincrease the goodwill associated with their brands. However, existingmobile technologies are not being leveraged effectively to provideenhanced consumer experiences while improving service providers' accessto and engagement with relevant consumers.

Additionally, the use of digital signage in advertisements by retailersand other service providers is growing rapidly on a global scale.Moreover, local radio frequency beaconing technology is being adopted toallow interaction between mobile devices and digitally published contentover signage monitors. However, the technology still caters primarily tousers who are physically present at or near a service provider'slocation or venue (e.g., traditional “foot traffic”) and those withbeaconing applications running at point-of-touch with the monitor. Thereis a need to extend the value proposition of the traditional digitalsignage model to include mobile users through cloud and sensor/actuatornodes.

The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identifiedabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of an identification, location, andauthentication system, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the architecture of an exemplary master sensor node,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a calibration method that may be usedwith the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for identification, location,and authentication of a mobile device that may be used with the systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates the architecture of a zero-wait publishing,searching, and queuing system, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a remote reservation and queuingmethod, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows exemplary user interfaces illustrating the steps of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates the architecture of an exemplary mobile device,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary notification widget, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a local venue check-in, reservationredemption, and transaction method, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 shows exemplary user interfaces illustrating the steps of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 illustrates an advertisement system, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method for searching and sendingdeals and offers to mobile devices, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method for publishing deals andoffers to remote, subscribed mobile devices, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method for publishing deals andoffers to local, subscribed mobile devices, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method for updating serviceprofiles and publishing content, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a remote advertisement system, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of a method for searching using anactive teleportation mode, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary mobile device displaying advertisingapplication operating in active teleportation mode, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a method for searching using apassive teleportation mode, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary mobile device displaying advertisingapplication operating in passive teleportation mode, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a system, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 23-41 illustrate various embodiments of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a system is disclosed. Thesystem includes one or more master sensor nodes located in a physicalvenue, which are connected to a broadband network channel. The systemfurther includes a plurality of sensors in the physical venue. Theplurality of sensors is in communication with the one or more mastersensor nodes over a wireless network channel. The plurality of sensorsand the one or more master sensor nodes are communicatively coupled to amobile device over a radio frequency network channel. The one or moremaster sensor nodes is configured to identify the mobile device and alocation associated with the mobile device. The mobile device is withina predefined distance from the one or more master sensor nodes. The oneor more master sensor nodes is further configured to receive a requestfrom the mobile device to authenticate the identity and the location ofthe mobile device to a third party, which is connected to the radiofrequency network channel. The one or more master sensor nodes isfurther configured to authenticate the mobile device to the third party.The third party receives authentication of the mobile device andprovides the mobile device access to a network connection associatedwith the third party.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed. Oneor more master sensor nodes are provided in a physical venue and areconnected to a broadband network channel. A plurality of sensors isprovided in the physical venue. The plurality of sensors is incommunication with the one or more master sensor nodes over a wirelessnetwork channel. The plurality of sensors and the one or more mastersensor nodes are communicatively coupled to a mobile device over a radiofrequency network channel. The one or more master sensor nodesidentifies the mobile device and a location associated with the mobiledevice. The mobile device is within a predefined distance from the oneor more master sensor nodes. The one or more master sensor nodesreceives a request from the mobile device to authenticate the identityand the location of the mobile device to a third party, which isconnected to the radio frequency network channel. The one or more mastersensor nodes authenticates the mobile device to the third party. Thethird party receives authentication of the mobile device and providesthe mobile device access to a network connection associated with thethird party.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system is disclosed.The system includes one or more calibrated master sensor nodes locatedin a physical venue. The one or more master sensor nodes are connectedto a broadband network channel. The system further comprises a pluralityof sensors in the physical venue. The plurality of sensors is incommunication with the one or more master sensor nodes over a wirelessnetwork channel. The plurality of sensors and the one or more mastersensor nodes are communicatively coupled to a mobile device over a radiofrequency network channel. The mobile device is registered with aregistration authority. The one or more master sensor nodes isconfigured to identify the mobile device and a location associated withthe mobile device. The mobile device is within a predefined distancefrom the one or more master sensor nodes. The one or more master sensornodes is further configured to receive a request from the mobile deviceto authenticate the identity and the location of the mobile device to athird party. The location includes latitude and longitude coordinates.The third party is connected to the radio frequency network channel. Theone or more master sensor nodes is further configured to authenticatethe mobile device to the third party. The third party receivesauthentication of the mobile device and provides the mobile deviceaccess to a network connection associated with the third party.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods foridentifying, locating, and authenticating devices and users, zero-waitpublishing, searching, and queuing, searching and subscribing toadvertisements, and virtual teleportation. Persons of ordinary skill inthe art will realize that the following description of the presentlyinvention is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Otherembodiments of the invention will readily suggest themselves to suchskilled persons.

The inventions described herein provide improved systems and methods foridentifying, locating, and authenticating devices and users to oneanother and/or to third party service providers. The system islocation-sensitive and tamper-resistant to facilitate efficient andsecure identification, location, and authentication services.Additionally, zero-wait publishing, searching, and queuing systems andmethods are disclosed. Users may utilize this system to search forservice providers and make reservations or join a queue, leveraging theidentification, location, and authentication services. Other systems andmethods disclosed herein allow users to search and subscribe to serviceproviders. The system facilitates more efficient advertising by serviceproviders, allowing service providers to target specific consumers withrelevant messages, deals, and offers. Finally, systems and methodsutilizing virtual teleportation are disclosed herein, which allow usersto perform enhanced and more relevant searching based on absolutelocation of service providers, even where the user is remote from theservice provider.

According to the present invention, a system may include any combinationof an identification, location, and authentication system, a zero-waitpublishing system, a searching and subscribe system, and a virtualteleportation system. (See FIG. 22).

Related Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming established as a viable technologyfor smart city and smart retail growth. IoT has socially desirablebenefits and possesses characteristics for mass viral adoption. In aworld of increasing internet connectedness, identity of things andidentity of people connecting to things is becoming of primaryimportance to ensure that trust, security, and predictability of servicerivals that of traditional land and online services. Augmented reality(AR) is a nascent but promising technology utilizing tangible userinterface features that can enhance consumer experience and decisionparameters not easily extracted from traditional browser-based searchand mapping services.

Hyper-relevance is an emerging area of technology that seeks tointegrate different technological solutions in real-time to provideusers with better value and an improved user experience. The value cancome in the way of cost-savings, more efficient delivery of services, orbetter/more relevant engagement with service providers. Essentially,this new technology seeks to give consumers what they want, when theywant it, and however they want it.

Big data, the collection of voluminous amounts of structured,semi-structured and unstructured data, stored and analyzed for bothknown and unknown patterns, and having the potential to be mined forinformation, will continue to increase but provide more value whenintegrated with small specific datasets created from evolving IoTsensor/actuator use cases. Small data, a dataset that contains veryspecific attributes, generated largely by IoT sensors/actuators and usedto determine current states and conditions of managed systems andservices, will increase with expansive deployment of standards based IoTdevices, services and management systems. Small data, collected by IoTsensor/actuator devices is real-time, can tell specifics such aslocation, temperature, wetness, pressure or vibration, and can triggerevents based on what is happening in real-time. Those events can bemerged with behavioral or trending information derived from machinelearning algorithms run against big data datasets to improve or increasesecurity or productivity of business or work processes.

Retail and mobile commerce Process Intelligence, data that has beensystematically collected to analyze the individual steps within abusiness process, will be enhanced by the mass adoption of IoT devices,their services and real-time Small data pools. The tuning and analysisof IoT generated process intelligence will fuel new jobs, systems, andservices to better serve smart cities and advance mobile commerceindustry.

API management, the process of publishing, promoting and overseeingapplication programming interfaces (APIs) in a secure, scalableenvironment including API creation of end user support resources thatdefine and document the API, are becoming of primary importance togrowth and mass adoption of IoT-based services. Small context,demographic, and user profile datasets collected by IoT is stimulatingneed for big data integration on a scale not available by traditionalapp build methodologies.

HTML5 code can be written once and then run on any device (includingIOS, Android, Windows Mobile, etc.). HTML5 applications (“apps”) utilizenative device features, such as a camera or an accelerometer, and usedevice APIs such as Apache* Cordova. These apps are also “packaged” fordistribution by the various app stores.

The Bluetooth receiver system is the onboard system that scans the areafor Bluetooth device traffic, records available data and writes toonboard SD card. The data is then made available to onboard software forparsing, manipulating, and sending to the database via Zigbee radiosystem.

The Zigbee transceiver system is an onboard system that reads the SDcard for new scanned Bluetooth frame data, places it in the Zigbeetransceiver payload, and sends over Zigbee radio waves to the serverhead-end for database storage and processing.

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) motions and tamper resistantsecurity system is the onboard system that senses device motion and/ortampering and locks all access to normal service usage between the userand the network. It also is responsible for sending alerts to theoperator to contact the user/player or suspend service untilre-calibration or compliance is restored.

Identification, Location, and Authentication Systems and Methods

The identification, location, and authentication systems and methodsdisclosed herein may be used to locate mobile devices and identifyingindividuals to facilitate providing efficient and secure services. Byintegrating these systems and methods with other known location-basedtechnologies, such as MEMS, GPS, IP, and cellular, online and wirelessconnected retail services can be initiated with a very high degree ofidentity and physical location certainty, offering more accurategeo-fence calculations (within feet of a geo-fence border) as well asstronger security features for more trusted player, guest or patronidentity and geographic compliance.

The systems and methods of the present invention may requiremulti-factor authentication for additional security, including anycombination of the following factors: an absolute location of one ormore devices (e.g., mobile device, sensor nodes), logincredentials/digital certificates (e.g., username/password, which may bemanaged within a standard public key infrastructure (PKI) network),hardware identification (e.g., a mobile device ID, a master sensor nodeID, MAC addresses, UUIDs), and user identification/biometrics (e.g.,fingerprint scanning, facial recognition via a camera, motion signature,and the like). Multi-factor authentication is particularly valuable forthird party service providers who require an absolute location factor toensure geo-fenced service compliance, such as those in regulatedindustries like the gaming industry. In addition to geo-location, use ofthe present invention with existing technologies allows serviceproviders to authenticate the identity and age of a user and providesfor improved digital rights management. Additionally, tamper-proofmeasures are included in the present invention to prevent avoidance ofor disruption to geo-location services.

The system may utilize open standard user accounts via LightweightDirectory Access Protocol (LDAP) (e.g., Microsoft Active Directory)linked with an online PKI Registration Authority (RA) function forencryption of digital certificates, which provides quick validation anduser enrollment from existing social network member accounts.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system may store andstatistically determine location based on historical and live geospatialscan data, in addition to relying on internal mobile device residentsensor mechanisms (e.g., MEMS, camera, microphone, etc.) to maintainlocation accuracy in case of wireless service interruption. If usedautonomously (i.e., not networked), the system may be capable ofadvertising its identity, location, and calibration status to anyrequesting local network connected device for the purpose of providing alocation factor or setting a mobile device absolute location remotely.In this embodiment, the mobile device may provide a bridge between theautonomous sensor and the cloud.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrating the architecture of anidentification, location, and authentication system 100, according toone embodiment of the present invention, one or more master sensor nodes102 may be located in a physical venue 104. The physical venue 104 maybe any physical venue, such as a retail store, a casino, a hotel (or aguest room inside a hotel), a restaurant, a theater, and the like. Thephysical venue 104 may also be a user's home or within a vehicle. In oneembodiment, the one or more master sensor nodes 102 may be placed on aperson or animal instead of a physical venue 104.

The one or more master nodes 102 may be IoT radio frequency actuatornodes. In an alternate embodiment, the one or more master nodes 102 maycomprise a smart device running a system service profile enabling thesmart device to mimic a sensor. In this embodiment, the smart devicewould provide a bridge function between a mobile device and a mastersensor node 102. The one or more master sensor nodes 102 may beconnected to a broadband network channel 106 for cloud communications,optionally with a wireless LAN or a broadband cellular connection.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrating the architecture of an exemplarymaster sensor node according to one embodiment of the present invention,each of the one or more master sensor nodes 102 may include anaccelerometer 200 for motion sensing, a global positioning system (GPS)202 for self-calibration, an Ethernet port 204 that may connect the nodeto a router for Internet access, a USB port 206, an SD card 208 forstoring collected data, a solar panel 210 for self-powering duringoutdoor use, a camera 212 for security, motion sensing and identity, abattery 214 that may be rechargeable, a temperature sensor 216, aservice status indicator 218, which may be an audio indicator or an LEDindicator, a Wi-Fi radio 220 for sensing, authentication, communicationsand local wireless network connectivity, a Bluetooth or BLE radio 222for sensing, authentication and communicating, a Zigbee radio 224 forsensing, authenticating, communicating and bridging the internet, and anUltra Wide Band (UWB) radio 226 for sensing, authenticating,communicating, positioning and sensor network calibration services.

The master sensor node 102 may be connected to a physical venue, SaaS orcloud system or service, such as a registration system, check-in system,queuing system, POS system, payment system, online gaming transactionsystem, PMS system, CMS system, LMS system, streaming video system orsimilar, through a published API. Services associated with the mastersensor node 102 may be distributed remotely through a network-connectedmanagement service such as a mobile wireless, wireless LAN, dial-upmodem, or broadband internet based registration service using a webservice or REST API to allow property, company or world wide access tomaster sensor node services. The master sensor node 102 may provide apublish subscription service to advertise its services to web servicesor other services on the local network or in the cloud. Physical venue,SaaS or cloud system or services that subscribe to the master sensornode 102 may receive periodic published information or search andretrieve information related to the service.

Referring again to FIG. 1, one or more sensors 108 may be placed withinthe physical venue 104. The sensors 108 may be in communication with theone or more master sensor nodes 102 over a wireless network channel 110.The sensors 108 and the one or more master sensor nodes 102 arecommunicatively coupled to a mobile device 112 over a radio frequencynetwork channel 114, such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi network. In oneembodiment of the present invention, any one of the sensors 108 may takeon the broadband channel 106 and the function of a master sensor node102. In yet another embodiment, a sensor 108 is hard-wired to a mastersensor node 102 in the same box (e.g., at a smaller venue such as acoffee shop).

The system 100 may use a common network for the one or more mastersensor nodes 102 and the mobile device 112. However, use of twoout-of-band network channels provides greater security and accuracy. Asshown in FIG. 1, the one or more master sensor nodes 102 may use abroadband network 106 for cloud communications, optionally with awireless LAN connection, and the mobile device 112 uses a cellularwireless network 116.

A plurality of mobile devices 112 may be pre-registered with a thirdparty service provider 118. Each mobile device 112 may be registered bydifferent users. One user may have multiple registered mobile devices112. For example, a user may register the mobile device 112 whenregistering as a regulated gaming player of a gaming venue, or as anonline transaction participant of an e-commerce provider.

The mobile device 112 may be a mobile phone, PDA, smart watch orbracelet, wireless headset, Bluetooth-enabled vehicle, heads up display,smart glasses, or any other portable electronic device.

The mobile device 112 acts as a physical authentication token. The oneor more master sensor nodes 102 or the one or more sensors 108 may scanfor radio frequency frames or RSSI signals (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,Zigbee, etc.). The one or more master sensor nodes 102 or the one ormore sensors 108 may identify one or more factors associated with themobile device 112, such as a unique ID such as a MAC address or a UUIDand an absolute location. The location may be calculated usingpositioning techniques such as trilateration or triangulation and may beidentified by coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude or Cartesiancoordinates). In one embodiment, the mobile device 112 is identifiedwhen it is within a predefined distance from the one or more mastersensor nodes 102. In another embodiment, a collaborative positioningtechnique may be used to improve mobile device 112 location accuracy. Inthis case, the master sensor nodes 102 or the one or more sensors 108are integrated in a local radio frequency network with radio frequencybeaconing nodes. By performing collaborative measures such as sensingradio frequency beaconing signals and calculating position from themobile device 112 in an unknown state, and sensing the same beacons andperforming the same calculations from the master sensor node 102, from aknown state, an error delta can be create to apply to the mobile device112 unknown position calculation that may improve the position accuracy.In another embodiment, the one or more master sensor nodes 102 or theone or more sensors 108 my scan simple radio frequency tags such as BLEbeacons and published through the master sensor node 102 API to allowproperty, SaaS and cloud system and service access to assets, staff,guests and players while within the physical venue 104.

Once the mobile device 112 has been identified, a login session may beinitiated. The login session may be automatic in that the user of themobile device 112 is not required to acknowledge a service accessagreement. Alternatively, the login session may beacknowledgement-based, requiring the user of the mobile device 112 toacknowledge a service access agreement (e.g., selecting an “OK” buttonon a notification window, or the like). In yet another embodiment, thelogin session may be multi-factor, requiring the user of the mobiledevice 112 to provide further authenticating information prior to login.

After a login session has been initiated, the mobile device 112 mayrequest the one or more master sensor nodes 102 or the one or moresensors 108 to authenticate the identity and the location of the mobiledevice 112 to a third party service provider 118, such as, for example,a hotel property management system, a restaurant reservation system, ane-commerce service, a streaming media service, or a web-based regulatedgaming service. The third party service provider 118 may be connected tothe radio frequency network channel 114.

The one or more master sensor nodes 102 or the one or more sensors 108may authenticate the mobile device 112 to the third party serviceprovider 118. In this case, the one or more master sensor nodes 102 orthe one or more sensors 108 are operating like an identity accessmanagement (IAM) function providing multi-factor authenticated access tothe service 118 by using the mobile device 112 as a multi-factorauthentication device or token. The third party service provider 118 mayreceive authentication of the mobile device 112 and provide the mobiledevice 112 access to a network connection 120 associated with the thirdparty service provider 118 (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.).

The one or more master sensor nodes 102 or the one or more sensors 108may be geodetically positioned through a calibration process by one or acombination of one or more of the following methods: (1) calibrateddevice position cloning from other sensors, (2) GPS satellitepositioning, (3) indoor positioning algorithms, (4) physical addressgeocoding, (5) physical property surveying techniques, (7) using GoogleEarth or maps, (6) using high accuracy positioning technologies such asUltra Wide Band (UWB) or (6) other manual methods.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart of a calibration method 300 thatmay be used with the system of FIG. 1 and the master sensor node of FIG.2 is shown. At a first step 302, a master sensor node may be takenoutdoors within line of sight of GPS satellites (i.e., in an area freeof obstructions, such as trees). At a second step 304, a user performsan action such as pushing a calibration button, or connecting through amobile phone, to obtain a current position of the master sensor node viaGPS. Alternatively, the user may manually input the coordinates of themaster sensor node (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates) or aphysical address where the master sensor node is located. At a thirdstep 306, once the current position is received, the service profilewill allow a predetermined amount of time (e.g., two minutes) to seatthe master sensor node in a stationary position in a network (e.g.,indoors connected to a router), and/or, where motion may apply,wirelessly coupled to another master sensor node where one or more ofthe master sensor nodes are continuously connected through GPS and atleast one of the master sensor modes is bolted to the venue (e.g., in avehicle, in a ship, in an airplane, in a space craft). At a fourth step308, the user will seat the master sensor node. At a fifth step 310, themaster sensor node will calibrate and be ready for operation. The mastersensor node will continue to operate with a calibrated status as long asit is not moved from the stationary position (for indoor use) or able toobtain a GPS fix at a point of authentication (for moving vehicles,ships or crafts).

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method 400 for identification,location, and authentication of a mobile device that may be used withthe system of FIG. 1 is shown. At step 402, a user of a mobile devicedownloads a client widget and registers a mobile device key through asystem cloud registration service. At step 403, the user searches andselects a service to reserve. At step 404, the system cloud service actsas a third party certificate authority to provide a verification ofidentity during a sensor node queuing session, reservation, or othertransaction process using the mobile device key. At step 406, the usermay initiate a queuing session or reservation with a master sensor nodethrough a queuing or reservation system. At step 407 a, the mobiledevice may have a known reusable key, pin, password or passphrase or mayoptionally create a unique, one-time password, or identity key, eitherof which may be encrypted. The one-time password, or identity key may begenerated using known methods, such as a random number generator, or maybe generated using a plurality of methods, such as a combination ofknown identifiers, such as a mobile device key, UUID or MAC address, andunknown identifiers that may be dynamically generated, such as absolutelocations or timestamps, which may be delivered to the master sensornode. At step 407 b, the master sensor node, or at least one of aplurality of sensors, may store the mobile device password andoptionally use it for other purposes such as to represent a reservationnumber or queuing number or similar and that may be shared with othersystems. At step 407 c, the master sensor node may have a known reusablekey, pin, password or passphrase or may optionally create a unique,one-time password, or identity key, either of which may be encrypted.The one-time password, or identity key may be generated using knownmethods, such as a random number generator, or may be generated or maybe generated using a plurality of methods, such as a combination ofknown identifiers, such as a mobile device key, UUID or MAC address, andunknown identifiers that may be dynamically generated, such as absolutelocations or timestamps which may be delivered to the master sensor nodeor at least one of a plurality of sensors. At step 407 d, the mobiledevice may store the sensor password or identity key and optionally mayuse it for other purposes such as to represent a reservation number orqueuing number or a ticket or a coupon or similar and that may be sharedwith other systems. At step 408, the reservation or queuing system maycommunicate with a sensor in communication with the master sensor nodetargeted by the mobile device to request a unique password or identitykey from the sensor, or optionally generate one for the sensor, whichmay be used to represent a queuing number or reservation number orticket or similar, to share with the mobile device, while simultaneouslysharing the mobile device password or identity key, which may be used torepresent a unique reservation number or queuing number or similar withthe sensor.

It is envisioned that “nested” reservations may be made, such that auser could potentially plan out an entire day or evening with severalback-to-back reservations at different venues. For instance, the firstreservation may be for a dinner table, a second reservation for avehicle to transport users from dinner to a movie theater, a thirdreservation at the movie theater, and so on. Those venues mightcommunicate with one another to help the venues determine when a userwill arrive. For instance, if the user is running late at dinner, therestaurant may notify the vehicle to delay the pick-up time (e.g., pushthe reservation 20 minutes). If a user finds a better deal at adifferent venue or changes his mind about a reservation, the system mayautomatically cancel an existing reservation in order to allow the userto make an alternate reservation.

Once the user is on or within range of a property associated with themaster sensor node, at step 410, the reservation system verifies thatthe master sensor node is equipped with the resources, software orservice profile(s) necessary to authenticate the mobile device, andverifies that the mobile device is equipped with the necessaryresources, software or service profile(s) to authenticate the mastersensor node. At step 412, the master sensor node or one or moreplurality of sensors begins to scan for radiofrequency frames, while themobile device advertises (or vice versa). At step 414, the sensor nodedetects the mobile device. At step 416, wireless pairing of the mobiledevice and sensor occurs automatically. At step 418, wirelessauthentication of the mobile device occurs automatically. At step 420,the mobile device shares the unique, one-time password, or identity key,originally generated by and received from the master sensor node or theone or more sensors. The master sensor node or at least one plurality ofsensors, optionally decrypts the password or identity key and verifiesit is the master sensor node or the one or more sensors unique passwordor identity key that was sent to the mobile device, while simultaneouslythe mobile device shares the password or identity key it received fromthe master sensor node or the one or more sensors, with the sensor,which in turn optionally decrypts and verifies the password or identitykey belongs to the sensor. The exchange of passwords between the mobiledevice and the master node sensor or one or more sensors may beaccomplished using a local wireless interface, such as Bluetooth orWi-Fi. Only the originating device has the private key to decrypt theencrypted one-time passwords.

At step 422, the master sensor node or the one or more sensors and themobile device each decrypt and verify the password sent to each other.At step 424, the master sensor node and the mobile device each share theverification information through their respective networks (i.e., themaster sensor node shares through a broadband network and the mobiledevice through a cellular network) to the system cloud service. At step426, the system cloud service informs both the master sensor node andthe mobile device that they are verified to operate.

At step 428, the reservation system receives identity and locationcalibration verification from the master sensor node or the one or moresensors indicating that the master sensor node has not been moved ortampered with. At step 430, the system cloud service authenticates theuser and the absolute location of the mobile device to a third partyservice provider.

At step 432, an automatic logout may be activated. The automatic logoutmay occur due to a variety of activities, including, for example, whenthe user/mobile device moves outside the sensor's range, when the radiofrequency radio on either the mobile device or the master sensor node isturned off, or when a predetermined logout time has been reached.

The following non-limiting industrial applications are envisioned,although it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many otherapplications are possible across a wide variety of industries:

Online Gaming:

It is envisioned that the systems and methods of the present inventionmay be useful for online regulated gaming. For instance, users mayengage in online gaming from their homes or from hotel guest rooms. Amaster sensor node may be linked to a home or guest network. Afterproper calibration of the master sensor node, an accurate geo-fence maybe established within local wireless reach of the master sensor node'sradio frequency land connection when a user's mobile device is connectedto the system during service authentication and location validation.

Online CNP Transactions:

Where proof of identity has been provided to a registration authority,the system of the present invention may be used to authenticatecard-not-present (CNP) payment transactions. Because more accuratefactors (e.g., biometric data) may be used for authentication in thesystem of the present invention, the authentication may be more accuratethan traditional physical retail payment using a credit card and photoID card, which may ultimately reduce interchange fee charges. Onlinemalware and identity theft risk can be reduced by insuring a mobiledevice is within the transactional venue.

Transportation Verification:

The system of the present invention may be used to authenticate a user'smobile device to a transportation service provider, such as a taxi,rideshare, or public transit driver, and vice versa. Two-wayauthentication and location verification may provide greater security toboth the driver and the rider.

Physical Venue Check-in:

The present invention may be used at physical retail venue entrances andkey zones of interest to allow a service provider of a physical venue(e.g., a restaurant, hotel, or retail store) to check a user into aguest room, a table, or provide coupons, or loyalty points, or benefitsto the user upon arrival at the venue. Further, the geo-locationtechnology may allow a service provider to offer or deliver services toa user within the physical venue (e.g., delivering a drink, or streamingor downloading a game, movie or music upon request by the user).

Remote Reservation:

The present invention may be used to allow a user of a mobile device tomake a remote reservation with a service provider by utilizing thetwo-way exchange of device keys over a shared network.

Zero-Wait Publishing, Searching, and Queuing Systems and Methods

The zero-wait publishing, searching, and queuing systems and methodsdisclosed herein may integrate sensor and actuator node technology (forinstance, the identification, location, and authentication systems andmethods) with physical venue systems to allow mobile devices to searchrelevant offers, make remote reservations, and set up remote wirelessqueuing sessions with physical venues (e.g., reserving a guest room ortable). The systems and methods enable a user of a mobile device tosearch, connect, and engage with a physical venue (e.g., a hotel,restaurant, casino or retail) or a vehicle (e.g., a taxi, bus, privatelimo service, or rideshare service). The systems and methods may alsoallow a user to search for a service category (e.g., coffee, gas, spa orbowling), or an activity (e.g., football, live band, party or parade)similar to a web browser search but with location central to the search.The systems and methods may additionally offer subscription services topush offers and deals to mobile devices. Furthermore, the systems andmethods may provide reservation, queuing, check-in, check-out,engagement, and transactions services to users, without incurring waittime or added costs associated with traditional queue-based venueservices, such as standing in lines.

The system differs from a web browser search by including the absolutelocation (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates, established bystandard positioning methods such as GPS, IPS or INS), of a service,activity, property, or vehicle, as a primary search attribute.Therefore, users can view physical venues dynamically and informationabout associated services, such as current wait times, crowdedness,seating availability and service duration can be established at aglance. Moreover, by broadcasting a mobile device user's currentposition to a physical venue, a virtual queuing service may beestablished that guarantees the user's reservation, provides estimatedtime of arrival (ETA) feedback to the venue, which may reduce thecustomer churn rate, and eliminates waiting once the user arrives at thephysical venue.

The systems and methods utilize a distributed cloud architecture builton industry standards, such as service-oriented architecture (SOA),microservices architecture, software-defined architecture (SDA) andmobile backend as a service (MBaaS) design principals for cloudinteroperability, scalability and reliability. The systems and methodsalso leverage an API management framework and gateway to ensure alldevices and services may integrate through standard API communications.This allows dynamic, real-time access to data, code, and serviceswithout the need for redesign or modification of business logic. Themobile device user downloads a native mobile widget that is used toinitiate searches and communicate schedules, events, and notificationsbetween the user and the service provider through loose integration ofcloud services and management software.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the architecture of a zero-wait publishing,searching, and queuing system 500 is shown. A local retail serviceengagement application 502 is installed on a mobile device 504. Themobile device 504 is connected to a cellular network channel 506. Thelocal retail service engagement application 502 may transmit a searchrequest for a service over a radio frequency network channel 508 (whilesearching a deal offer, making a reservation and queuing on propertyover LAN, e.g., at a casino resort) or a cellular network channel 506(while searching a deal offer, making a reservation, and queuingremotely over cellular, e.g., at a casino resort) to at least oneservice provider system 510. The local retail service engagementapplication 502 may receive data associated with a service provider fromthe at least one service provider system 510 in response to the searchrequest. The local retail service engagement application 502 maytransmit a request for a reservation with the service provider andreceive a confirmation of the reservation from the service providersystem 510.

The local retail service engagement application 502 may transmit a queuerequest to a queuing system 512 over the radio frequency network channel508 or over the cellular network channel 506, and receive a confirmationof the queue request from the queuing system 512.

The local retail service engagement application 502 may determine aphysical location of the mobile device 504, calculate a distance betweenthe mobile device 504 and a physical venue 514 associated with theservice provider, and transmit an estimated arrival time at one or morepredefined distance or time intervals while the mobile device 504 is intransit to the physical venue 514. The local retail service engagementapplication 502 may include one or more search and service discoveryviews, switchable by touch and/or motion by the user of the mobiledevice 504.

When the mobile device 504 arrives at the physical venue 514, thequeuing system 512 may transmit a request to the local retail serviceengagement application 502 to activate a local radio frequency networkchannel 516 or a local radio frequency network channel 524 on the mobiledevice 504. The queuing system 512 may transmit a request to search forthe mobile device 504 through the local radio frequency network channel516 or through a local radio frequency network channel 524. A mastersensor node 518 may be connected to a broadband network channel 520,wherein the service provider is simultaneously connected to thebroadband network channel 520. A plurality of sensors 522 may be locatedin the physical venue 514. The plurality of sensors 522 may be incommunication with the master sensor node 518 over a wireless networkchannel, such as local radiofrequency network channel 516, the pluralityof sensors 522 and the master sensor node 518 may be communicativelycoupled to the mobile device 504 over the local radiofrequency networkchannel 516 when the mobile device 504 is present at the physical venue514. Alternatively, the plurality of sensors 522 may be communicativelycoupled to the mobile 504 over the local radio frequency network channel524 when the mobile device 504 is present at the physical venue 514. Theplurality of sensors may be in communication with the master sensor node518 over a wireless network channel, such as local radiofrequencynetwork channel 516. In this case, the plurality of sensors 522 mayprovide a communications gateway or bridge between the mobile device 504and the master sensor node 518.

The master sensor node 518 or at least one of the plurality of sensors522 identifies the mobile device 504 and a relative location of themobile device 504 within a predetermined range of at least one of theplurality of sensors 522 or the master sensor node 518 and authenticatesthe identity and relative location of the mobile device 504 to the atleast one service provider system 510. The at least one service providersystem 510 receives authentication and the relative location of themobile device 504 and retrieves the reservation.

Referring now to FIG. 6-7, a flowchart of a remote reservation andqueuing method 600 is shown, and FIG. 7 shows exemplary user interfacesillustrating the steps of FIG. 6.

At step 602, a user of a mobile device may install a local retailservice engagement application on the mobile device. At step 604, theuser may use the local retail service engagement application to initiatea search for a service or venue by category and/or location (interface700). For instance, the user may optionally set a preferred city ofinterest, or distance from the user's current location, as a searchparameter. A venue category may include, for instance, hotels, casinos,restaurants, bars, grocery stores, gas stations, and the like. A servicecategory may include, for instance, shopping, gaming, bowling, and thelike. Additional search parameters, filters, permissions, and userpreferences may be set and modified by the user via the local retailservice engagement application (interface 702).

At step 606, the local retail service engagement application may returna list of services and/or venues to the mobile device for viewing by theuser based on the user's search. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the user may view the list through an augmented reality (AR)camera view to gain a perspective of locations and directions to/from avenue or service provider, and to better determine costs, timing andrelevance of the items on the list (interface 704). Alternatively, thelist may be presented in a list view (interface 700) or a map view(interface 708).

At step 608, the user may select an item from the list to see furtherinformation about the item, such as deals, offers, or coupons availableor services offered at a particular venue (interface 710).

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, instead of a searchrequest, at step 610, the user may subscribe to selected venue(s) byproviding the user's contact information. At step 612, periodically(such as at predetermined intervals) or as deals, offers, or servicesbecome available at the selected venue(s), they may be pushedautomatically to the subscribed user(s) via the local retail serviceengagement application. At step 614, the user may select an offer to seefurther information about the offer on the mobile device.

Whether the user performed a search (“pulled” offers) or subscribed(“pushed” offers), the user may select an offer to make a reservationwith a venue or service provider and enter a virtual queue at step 616(interface 712).

At step 618, the absolute location, speed of travel and estimated timeof arrival (ETA) of the mobile device are determined via availablegeolocation technologies such as GPS, cellular ID, mobile motionsensors, inertial navigation, and APIs.

At step 620, while the user in en route to the venue or service providerlocation, a notification widget may be initiated on the mobile device.The notification widget serves two primary purposes. First, thenotification widget navigates and directs the mobile device to the venueor service provider location (see step 622). Second, the notificationwidget initiates check-in and local service activation once the mobiledevice reaches the venue or service provider location (see step 624).The notification widget may also facilitate communication andnotifications between the venue/service provider and the mobile device.While in the Queue, the notification widget may also facilitatecommunications between competing service providers and the mobiledevice, through the use of filters and broadcast notifications, tocreate a hyper-relevant mobile consumer value proposition between themobile device user and the competing service providers which may resultin the mobile device user receiving more competitive offers. Competingproviders may choose to enter service and price bids allowing theservice providers to enter an auction, thus creating an atmosphere forbetter service, efficiencies and prices

Referring now to FIG. 8, the architecture of an exemplary mobile device800 is shown. Residing on mobile device 800 is an operating system 802.Operating system 802 may be independent of mobile device 800, but mayaccess mobile device 800 sensor and communications resources (e.g.,through an API). Operating system 802 includes several layers,including: (1) a cloud services management layer, which handlesreservations, queuing, identity and communications; (2) an external dataAPI aggregation management layer, which provides property, service,context and demographic information to a decision engine; (3) a mobiledevice inertial navigation system (INS) aggregation management layer,which provides dynamic real-time inertial sensor data to the decisionengine for filtering; (4) the decision engine, which provides searchfunctions, filters, and notifications logic, and which can autonomouslymake decisions, such as navigation, way-finding, and recommendations;and (5) a master sensor node connection and communications layer, whichprovides proximity tracking, presence awareness, mobile device and userauthentication, local communications, content delivery, and check-inservices.

The cloud services management layer may include a cloud servicesmanagement application, which provides city/global network andcloud-level management services for mobile devices and master nodesensor service reservations and queuing engagements. The cloud servicesmanagement application may manage a number of databases, including: anode network spatial database, a user and node account database, aremote/local node and device authentication database, an IoTsensor/actuator node publish/subscribe content database, an IoTsensor/actuator node service profiles database, and a deals/servicesmobile application and HTML5 forms/pages database.

The master sensor node connection and communications layer may include anode management, asset and logistics services application, which may bea venue/local node(s) and venue location related services delivery andmanagement platform. The node management application may handle alldirect communications between IoT sensor/actuator nodes and mobiledevice applications locally, as well as indirect communications withmobile devices operating remotely through the cloud managementapplication.

The node management application may be activated by one of the followingconditions: (1) a mobile device remotely requests access to a nodeand/or its services through the cloud management application; (2) an IoTsensor/actuator node requests authentication of a mobile device locallyor gains access to a service profile to provide service to a mobiledevice locally (e.g., by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.); (3) the cloudmanagement application requests key exchange for pairing, bonding, orlocal service profile assignment between a node and a mobile deviceremotely; or (4) an operator, service management application, or thirdparty application requests access to manage, calibrate, or control thenode(s), network, databases or services either directly through amonitoring or management user interface or indirectly through a serviceAPI.

Referring again to FIG. 8, operating system 802 hosts a hybrid mobileapplication 804. Hybrid mobile application 804 includes the notificationwidget 806, which provides service status, metering, notifications, andcommunications.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary notification widget 806 is shown.Notification widget 806 includes an inactive mode 900, which may provideseveral quick-launch buttons which may include: venue search button 902,reservations and queuing button 904, secure chat button 906, venuenavigation button 908, and deal/payment button 910.

A venue connection mode 912 shows services that may be provided viawidget 806 when the mobile device is present at the venue or serviceprovider location, including presentation of deals/offers, check-in,queuing, and status updates.

A collaboration mode 914 shows mobile-to-mobile services that may beprovided via widget 806, including “follow me” notifications, instantmessaging, and group chats.

A queuing mode 916 shows queuing services that may be provided viawidget 806, including virtual queuing, ETA broadcasting, and statusupdates.

A transaction mode 918 shows digital payment services that may beprovided via widget 806, including loading money, viewing balances,making payments, cashing out, and payment or transaction history.

Referring again to FIG. 8, stacks of HTML5 pages 808 may be launched bythe notification widget 806 to aggregate data and control dynamicservices relating to that data. The data may come from multiple sources,including service APIs (e.g., Google Geolocation API, Foursquare orother reservation server, and the like), HTML5 user interfaces (e.g.,menus, navigation, ordering forms, etc.), IoT sensor/actuator (e.g.,proximity or environmental control sensors), a mobile device on-boardsensor (e.g., GPS, INS, or MEMS) and consumer engagement applications.

The result is that the internal details of a service are isolated fromthe user experience, allowing modification or replacement of theapplication code without affecting the end user. This creates adistributed computing architecture servicing two sets of APIs: externalAPIs for consumers and internal APIs for service providers. The internalAPIs define a system's organization using management modules. Theexternal APIs make the internal APIs more easily and safely consumableby various external services and present a simplified view of theoperating system 802, optimized for network communications over longdistances.

Referring again to FIG. 6, at step 622, an estimated time of arrival(ETA) of the user at the venue or service provider is determined andbroadcasted to the venue or service provider via the notificationwidget. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ETA may beupdated (periodically or in real-time) based on changes to the locationand/or speed of travel of the mobile device, and the updated ETA may bebroadcasted to the venue or service provider. Simultaneously, thenotification widget may allow the user to view information from themobile device regarding the reservation and virtual queue, such as venuemaps, virtual queue status and updates thereto, notifications, groupreservation information, ETA status, and check-in information.

At step 624, the notification widget may determine that the mobiledevice has reached the venue or service provider location using GPS,cellular identification, or other WAN method. The venue or serviceprovider may set a range or threshold such that once the mobile devicereaches the threshold or enters the range, the mobile device will beconsidered to have arrived at the venue or service provider location.The notification widget will then turn on necessary local LAN radio,such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and initiate either a scan or advertisementbeacon necessary to find or be found by a master sensor node or at leastone of the plurality of sensors at the venue or service providerlocation.

Referring now to FIG. 10-11, a flowchart of a local venue check-in,reservation redemption, and transaction method 1000 is shown, and FIG.11 shows exemplary user interfaces illustrating the steps of FIG. 10.

At step 1002, a services management system may determine that a mobiledevice is within a WLAN or WPAN radio frequency range. At step 1004, aservices management system may transmit a request to a master sensornode management server to obtain an appropriate operational serviceprofile. At step 1006, the services management system may load theservice profile on the master sensor node or at least of the pluralityof sensors. At step 1008, the mobile device may be automatically pairedwith the master sensor node.

At step 1010, the services management system may load a dynamic hybridapplication, such as HTML5 code, on the mobile device to allow themobile device to access and manage selected service profiles while themobile device is present at the venue or service provider location. Atstep 1012, the mobile device may be authenticated by an authenticationprofile, such as the one disclosed above.

At step 1014, the services management system may check the mobile deviceinto the venue or service provider location and retrieve the reservation(interface 1100). At this point, all services, such as offers, in-doornavigation or way-finding, order menus, payment and servercommunications may be delivered by a third party or the servicesmanagement system in the form of dynamic interactive web app pages, suchas those provided by HTML5, and made available to the mobile device onthe dynamic hybrid application, either through a secondary radiochannel, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or through a cellular channel.

Once the mobile device is checked into and engaged with the venue or theservice provider, the notification widget may update its status to“connected” and may track relevant information, such as a network type(e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular), a connection type (e.g., privatenetwork, public network, private collaboration), a connection duration(e.g., hours and minutes), a name of venue or service provider, and aservice mode (e.g., single, group, community) and the like. So long asthe mobile device is physically present and the network is active andoperational on the mobile device, the status will remain “connected”.Services provided to connected users may include, for example, productand service discounts and offers, collaboration with staff forassistance, communications with friends, family and colleagues, placingorders, in-app purchases, on-line purchases, in-store pickups,appointments, reservations, scanning prices, and mobile assistedin-store retail purchases.

At step 1016, the notification widget sends a notification to the mobiledevice that a reservation is ready for the user (e.g., a table, a guestroom, or the like). A navigation map may be displayed so the user canself-navigate to a location associated with the reservation within thevenue (interface 1102). In one embodiment, where the reservation is areserved table, menu, ordering, and payment pages may be displayed onthe mobile device to allow for waiter-less ordering by the user. In someembodiments, after the mobile device is checked in, a mobile guest roomkey or gaming VIP card may be accessible via the mobile device by theuser (interface 1104). The notification widget may be updated to providea connection status, a session ID, and event notification services.

At step 1018, when a service is complete, the notification widget mayreceive and present a bill for payment by the user. The user may be ableto make a mobile payment, such as by a bar code scan payment, anear-field communication (NFC) payment, a wireless network channelassisted payment using at least one of the plurality of sensors or amaster sensor node, or the like (interface 1106). A receipt may begenerated and presented on the mobile device.

At step 1020, the mobile device is automatically disconnected from thenetwork when the mobile device moves outside of the WLAN or WPAN radiofrequency range. The disconnected state, or “in-touch” state, whichenables remote internet communications, allows direct communicationsbetween the venue/service provider and the mobile device based onfiltered service selections. In-touch mode provides relevant deals andoffers while the mobile device is physically away from and not engagedwith the venue or service provider, and has no active servicereservations. The filtering service is designed to allow non-invasiveand relevant notifications to the mobile device that escalate naturallywith personal or professional relevance. For instance, a user may be inthe vicinity of a venue or service provider for an unrelated reason butmay be interested to know what deals or offers are available in the areaand set a filter appropriately.

In another embodiment, the mobile device may be automatically checkedout based on a predefined schedule, user induced software logout orother criteria.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, live chat and mobilecommerce services are delivered throughout the zero-wait systems andmethods, including group collaboration, and notification services. Whileon property, geo-fenced location sensitive content delivery, locationsensitive media streaming and private collaborations may beauthenticated and delivered locally over a local area network (e.g.Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

Search & Subscribe Advertising System & Methods

In some embodiments of the present invention, improved advertisementsystems and methods are disclosed to allow remote search and connectionwith content being delivered via digital signage to increase return oninvestment. An advertisement system includes a master sensor node, whichmay be connected to a venue or other service provider location. Themaster sensor node acts as a virtual point of presence, exposing itsidentity and absolute location (e.g., latitude and longitudecoordinates) to users of mobile devices desiring specific serviceswithin a certain locality. The advertisement system may publishdeals/offers, product content, and interactive property services, suchas check-in, reservations, menus, and ordering information to mobiledevices physically present at the venue or service provider location.The advertisements may be published in response to a search by a user ona mobile device (“pulled” advertisements), or they may be published tolocal or remote users who have subscribed to receive such advertisementsvia their mobile devices (“pushed” advertisements). This type ofconnectivity between a service provider and mobile device users allowsthe service provider to create its own service broadcasting “channel”,much like a YouTube™ channel, but further including a feedback functionby providing dialog connection with the mobile device (e.g., instantmessaging, live chat, phone, e-mail, video conferencing, etc.). Animportant difference between traditional advertising and the system ofthe present invention is that in the present invention, the mobiledevice operates as a private signage monitor, which allows theadvertisement(s) to reach a much wider audience (e.g., throughout a cityor metropolitan area) than traditional digital signage may reach.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an advertisement system 1200 is disclosed. Thesystem 1200 may include at least one identification, location andauthentication system 1202 associated with a physical venue 1204. Eachof the at least one identification, location and authentication systems1202 may include a master sensor node 1206 connected to a broadband orwireless local area network channel 1208, and a plurality of sensors1210 in the physical venue 1204. The plurality of sensors 1210 may be incommunication with the master sensor node 1206 over the broadband orwireless local area network channel 1208.

The master node 1206 or each of the plurality of sensors 1210 may be aphysical IoT sensor/actuator node that may be installed in an area thattypically hosts traditional digital signage display. Like traditionaldigital signage, the master node 1206 and the plurality of sensors 1210may target an audience of a certain demographic with focused contentassociated with the physical venue and its associated services, such aszero-wait queuing or table reservations. A call to action may beincluded in the published advertisement(s) by the master node 1206 orthe plurality of sensors 1210 that encourages a specific engagement orbehavior by the user.

Unlike traditional digital signage, the master node 1206 or each of theplurality of sensors 1210 may function as a virtual point of contactbetween the physical venue 1204 and mobile devices that may not belocally present at the physical venue 1204, to allow users of thoseremote mobile devices to search and/or receive the same advertisementexperience as users of mobile devices present at physical venue 1204.When used with digital signage, each master sensor node, or each of theplurality of sensors, may be assigned in location and function to adigital signage player to allow remote search and connection with thecontent being delivered by the physical digital sign. This increasesreturn on investment of digital signage substantially, as it providescitywide and potentially worldwide access to a local digital signmessage.

In addition, advertisement system 1200 may include a cloud-basedadvertisement service 1212. The cloud-based advertisement service 1212may be hosted by and associated with the at least one identification,location and authentication systems 1202 deployed in the physical venue1204. The cloud-based advertisement service 1212 may store a pluralityof advertising data 1214 associated with the physical venue 1204.

The cloud-based advertisement service 1212 allows a service provider todesign, develop, and launch advertising campaigns for each master sensornode 1206 or each of the plurality of sensors 1210 hosted at a physicalvenue 1204. An advertising campaign is a predefined set of contentstorage and publishing commands that create service profiles thatcommunicate with the mobile device 1208. The service profiles enabletext, audio, or video content publishing to the mobile device 1208 andcan enable selection of one or more predefined services, such asqueuing, making reservations, viewing a menu of services or inventorylist, or making a wireless payment.

An advertising campaign may be assigned to one, several, or all mastersensor nodes 1206, or to one, several, or all of the plurality ofsensors 1210 belonging to a service provider or associated with aparticular physical venue 1204. Alternatively, the advertising campaigncan be broken into logical functions according to the physical positionand purpose of each master sensor node 1206 or plurality of sensors1210. For instance, a first master sensor nodes 1206 or at least oneplurality of sensors 1210 may be placed at the entrance of a restaurantand perform a local check-in and navigation of a mobile device 1208 to adestination, such as a reserved table. A second master sensor nodes 1206or at least one plurality of sensors 1210 may be physically positionedat the reserved table, triggering the delivery of a service menu to themobile device 1208 and a payment application upon check-out. A thirdmaster sensor nodes 1206 or at least one plurality of sensors 1210 maybe physically positioned at a digital signage display allowing remoteaccess to the digital advertisement services remotely by searching theservice, venue or topic through the mobile engagement app and clickingon a related search item. The service profile and/or content may bedelivered through the master sensor node 1206, through a local networkat the physical venue 1204, or through a cloud network outside of thephysical venue 1204. It is envisioned that a service profile may includeadditional services and content that may be relevant in case ofemergency, such as Amber Alerts or severe weather warnings.

The advertising system 1200 may additionally publish third party systemAPIs to allow integration with one or more property-specific systems,such as a media server, a Point of Sale server (POS), PropertyManagement System (PMS), or a Casino Management Systems (CMS).

Advertisement system 1200 may further include an advertising application1216 installed on a mobile device 1218 connected to a cellular networkchannel 1220. The advertising application 1216 may transmit a searchrequest for a local service, and receive and display advertising data1214 associated with the physical venue 1204 from the cloud-basedadvertisement service 1212 in response to the search request. Theadvertising data 1214 may be selected for presentation to the mobiledevice 1218 based on a location of the mobile 1218 device, a location ofthe physical venue 1204, and/or search keyword(s).

The advertising data 1214 may be displayed in a map view, a list view,or an augmented reality view. The user may toggle between views on themobile device 1218. In one embodiment, the augmented reality view may betriggered when the mobile device 1218 is tilted from a horizontalposition to a vertical position, due to a resident inertial sensor(e.g., an accelerometer) passing a predefined threshold (e.g., 45degrees, 90 degrees, 360 degrees, etc.). Conversely, when the mobiledevice 1218 is tiled from the vertical position back to the horizontalposition (i.e., the inertial sensor passes the threshold in the oppositedirection), the original display view (e.g., list or map view) istriggered and displayed.

The augmented reality view may use the location of the mobile device1218 as a reference point to gain more information about nearby venues,such as the direction and distance of the nearby venues from the mobiledevice 1218. For instance, the user may be traveling on foot and may beinterested to know about all venues for a particular service withinwalking distance of the current location.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the augmented reality viewallows the user to “teleport” to locations other than the currentlocation of the mobile device 1218 based on a search function. When theuser searches for and selects a venue or service provider location, theuser may be able to view other venues/service providers within proximityof the selected venue. The user may then select another venue/serviceprovider to “teleport” to the newly selected venue/service providerlocation. As such, the user's perspective changes from the currentlocation of the mobile device 1218 to a new location, with the augmentedreality view displayed the user as if the user were physically presentin the new location. The teleportation function is accomplished byreplacing the current location of the mobile device 1218 with theabsolute position of a node at the new location (e.g., latitude andlongitude coordinate), which spoofs the mobile device 1218 intobelieving that it is in the new location. This function may be helpfulto a user who need to find services for a future visit to the newlocation. For instance, consider a user who is planning a trip to adifferent city and desires to stay in a hotel with coffee shops,restaurant, business services, and a gym nearby. “Teleporting” theuser's perspective to a selected hotel's location will allow the user toview nearby services to ensure that the selected hotel meets the user'spreferences. By creating a future reservation, such as a hotel arrival,and initiating teleportation searches, a mobile device user may chooseto create multiple (nested) queuing engagements, scheduled inchronological order, to allow zero wait engagements to cascadethroughout.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a flowchart of a method 1300 for searching andsending deals and offers to mobile devices 1218 via advertisement system1200 is shown. It is envisioned that method 1300 may be used tosupplement or replace traditional advertising entirely.

At step 1302, the master sensor node 1206 may determine that the mobiledevice 1218 is within a predetermined range of the master sensor node1206, e.g., is present at the physical venue 1204. At step 1304, theidentification, location and authentication system 1202 may optionallyconnect to the mobile device 1218 via a local network connection. Atstep 1306, the identification, location and authentication system 1202may identify and authenticate the mobile device 1218 to a loyalty systemassociated with the physical venue 1204. At this point, the mobiledevice 1218 may automatically be allowed to access to any deal or offerelectronically available via the cloud-based advertisement service 1212while present at the physical venue 1204.

At step 1308, the cloud-based advertisement service 1212 may receive asearch request from the mobile device 1218. A user of the mobile device1218 may search for deals, offers, and other venues/service providers,similar to a web browser search. However, the advantage of the searchvia the cloud-based advertisement service 1212 is that the search may beperformed using a location of the mobile device 1218 as a primary searchattribute, such that all search results are within a predetermineddistance from the user. At step 1310, the cloud-based advertisementservice returns a list of search results to the mobile device 1218.Optionally, at step 1312, a service provider may accept a reservationfrom the mobile device 1218 for a service selected from the searchresults.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart of a method 1500 for publishingdeals and offers to remote, subscribed mobile devices 1218 viaadvertisement system 1200 is shown. It is envisioned that method 1400may be used to supplement or replace traditional advertising entirely.

At step 1402, the cloud-based advertisement service 1212 may receive anindication that a user of the mobile device 1218 has subscribed toadvertisements associated with one or more service providers via theadvertising application 1216. At step 1404, the cloud-basedadvertisement service 1212 may send (or “push”) a deal, offer, or otheradvertisement to the mobile device 1218 via the advertising application1216 periodically, or as new deals, offers, or other advertisementsbecome available. If the advertisement is a coupon, the coupon may bestored on the advertising application 1216.

Optionally, at step 1406, a service provider may accept a reservationfrom the advertising application 1216 of mobile device 1218 for anadvertised service.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a flowchart of a method 1500 for publishingdeals and offers to local, subscribed mobile devices 1218 viaadvertisement system 1200 is shown. It is envisioned that method 1500may be used to supplement or replace traditional advertising entirely.

At step 1502, the cloud-based advertisement service 1212 may receive anindication that a user of the mobile device 1218 has subscribed toadvertisements associated with one or more service providers via theadvertising application 1216. The subscription to advertisements workssimilar to an e-mail subscription or other web-based subscriptionservice, except that subscription via the cloud-based advertisementservice 1212 uses a location of the mobile device 1218 as a primaryattribute, such that advertisements are sent out only to subscribeddevices that are within a predetermined range of the master sensor node1206. As such, the advertisements may be targeted to customers withinclose proximity to the services.

At step 1504, the master sensor node 1206 may determine that the mobiledevice 1218 is within a predetermined range of the master sensor node1206. At step 1506, the identification, location and authenticationsystem 1202 may optionally connect to the mobile device 1218 via a localnetwork connection (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). At step 1508, theidentification, location and authentication system 1202 may identify andauthenticate the mobile device 1218 to a loyalty system associated withthe physical venue 1204. At this point, the mobile device 1218 mayautomatically be allowed to access, via the advertising application1216, any deal or offer electronically available via the cloud-basedadvertisement service 1212 while present at the physical venue 1204. Atstep 1510, the cloud-based advertisement service 1212 may send (or“push”) a deal, offer, or other advertisement to the advertisingapplication 1216 on mobile device 1218. If the advertisement is acoupon, the coupon may be stored on the advertising application 1216.

Optionally, at step 1512, a service provider may accept a reservationfrom the advertising application 1216 of the mobile device 1218 for anadvertised service.

The cloud-based advertisement service 1212 may also allow interactionbetween the advertising application 1216 of the mobile device 1218 andone or more service providers. For instance, the mobile device 1218 maybe provided with dynamic access to dialog and collaboration services viathe advertising application 1216, such as instant messaging, live chat,games, phone, e-mail, video conferencing, and the like. This allowsnotifications/messages to be broadcast to all users across a physicalvenue or sent individually to specific mobile devices 1218.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flowchart of a method 1600 for updatingservice profiles and publishing content via advertisement system 1200 isshown. Once a reservation has been made (according to method 1300, 1400,or 1500, for example), at step 1602, secure keys are exchanged betweenthe mobile device 1218 and the master sensor node 1206. An in-depthdiscussion of this process is described above at FIG. 4.

At step 1604, a location of the mobile device 1218 is determined. Atstep 1606, an ETA of the mobile device 1218 is calculated andbroadcasted to master sensor node 1206, as described above at FIG. 6.The master sensor node 1206 or cloud-based advertising service 1212 willcontinually monitor the ETA of the mobile device 1218 until the mobiledevice 1218 is detected as being within range of the master sensor node1206 at step 1608.

At step 1610, once the mobile device 1218 is within range of mastersensor node 1206, the master sensor node 1206 or cloud-based advertisingservice 1212 may update its service profile to advertise a customservice to the mobile device 1218 via the advertising application 1216.For instance, the master sensor node 1206 may be memory-limited and maykeep multiple service profiles active. The master sensor node 1208 maymanage the active service profiles based on a queuing and ETAdetermination pattern. Dynamic local or remote network programming orupdates may be provided based on preferences of or requests from theadvertising application 1216. If the advertisement is a coupon, thecoupon may be stored on the advertising application 1216.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a master sensornode 1206 may be assigned a dedicated service profile to perform aspecific function, such that the service profile may not be updatedremotely. The master sensor node 1206 may be operating in ahigh-security authentication mode, as might be required for certainregulated services such as online or on-property wireless gaming.

Additionally, the cloud-based advertising service 1212 may control avariety of parameters associated with the master sensor node 1206, suchas a location, a name or ID, and frame traffic passing through themaster sensor node 1206. The cloud-based advertising service 1212 maycollect user context and positioning statistics to analyze and optimizethe services provided.

Virtual Teleportation Systems & Methods

A virtual “teleportation” function, used in connection with the searchfunctions of the systems disclosed herein, may be helpful to a user whoneeds to find services for a future visit to a location that isdifferent from the user's current location at the time of searching. Forinstance, consider a user who is planning a trip to a different city anddesires to stay in a hotel with coffee shops, restaurant, businessservices, and a gym nearby. Teleporting the user's perspective to aselected hotel's location will allow the user to view nearby services toensure that the selected hotel meets the user's preferences, withoutrequiring the user to wait until he is in the location (e.g., thedifferent city) to perform the search.

In some embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods forutilizing a virtual teleportation service are disclosed. Referring nowto FIG. 17, a remote advertisement system 1700 is illustrated. Theremote advertisement system 1700 may include at least oneidentification, location and authentication system 1702 associated witha physical venue 1704. The physical venue 1704 may be a physical retailvenue, a hotel, a casino, a theater, a business transaction point, apoint of information, a point of interest, or the like.

The identification, location and authentication system 1702 may includeat least one master sensor node 1706 connected, directly or indirectly,to a broadband network channel 1708. The identification, location andauthentication system 1702 may further include a plurality of sensors1710 in the physical venue 1704, the plurality of sensors incommunication with the master sensor node 1706 over a wireless networkchannel 1712. The master sensor node 1706 and the plurality of sensors1710 may be physically installed in the physical venue 1704 and may begeodetically positioned, each having corresponding latitude, longitude,and height values and identifying datum.

The remote advertisement system 1700 may further include a cloud-basedadvertisement service 1714 hosted by the at least one identification,location and authentication system 1702 and deployed in the physicalvenue 1704. The cloud-based advertisement service 1714 may store aplurality of advertising data 1716 associated with the physical venue1704. Each master sensor node 1706 and plurality of sensors 1710 may beassociated with a service or a plurality of services. Data relating tothese services may be organized (e.g., by categorizing venue or serviceproviders by venue type or category of service) and stored in thecloud-based advertisement service 1714.

The remote advertisement system 1700 may further include an application1718 installed on a mobile device 1720, which may be connected to acellular network channel 1722.

The application 1718 may determine a first set of coordinatescorresponding to a location associated with the mobile device 1720. Theapplication 1718 may further access an API that may filter venues andservices based on categories and transmit a first search request for aservice associated with a master sensor node 1706 or plurality ofsensors 1710 located at the physical venue 1704. The first searchrequest may include at least one selected category (e.g., hotels). Thesearch request may include additional filters, such as a particularlocation (e.g., city, county, zip code, physical address, etc.), adistance range from a particular location (e.g., within 10 miles of acity), and nearby services or points of interest, or a combinationthereof. For instance, the search request may include the followingparameters: hotels in Paris, France within 5 miles of the Eiffel Tower.The cloud-based advertisement service 1714 may access global venuedatabase APIs 1724, such as cloudTraQ, Google or Foursquare propertydatabases, to find suitable candidate physical venues or servicesmatching the search request parameters.

The application 1718 may receive and display a list of physical venuesor related services from the cloud-based advertisement service 1714 inresponse to the first search request. The list may be presented in alimited field of view and directional and distance data may be presentedbased on the mobile device's determined location. The list may bedisplayed in a map view, a list view, or an augmented reality view. Theuser may toggle between views on the mobile device 1720. In oneembodiment, the augmented reality view may be triggered when the mobiledevice 1720 is tilted from a horizontal position to a vertical position,due to a resident inertial sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) passing apredefined threshold (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 360 degrees, etc.).Conversely, when the mobile device 1720 is tilted from the verticalposition back to the horizontal position (i.e., the inertial sensorpasses the threshold in the opposite direction), the original displayview (e.g., list or map view) is triggered and displayed.

From the list, at least one physical venue or related service mayinclude a teleportation indicator. The application 1718 may furtherreceive an indication that the teleportation indicator has beenselected. Optionally, a field of view that displays only the selectedvenue or service may be presented.

The application 1718 may determine a second set of coordinatescorresponding to a location associated with the selected physical venueor related service (e.g., the physical venue 1704), and replace thefirst set of coordinates with the second set of coordinates. The user isthus virtually teleported from the first location (the current locationof the mobile device) to the second location (the searched location) viathe field of view displayed on the mobile device 1720.

The application 1718 may further transmit a second search request for aservice, including the selected category, and receive and display asecond list of physical venues matching the selected category based atleast on the second set of coordinates. The second list may be presentedin a limited field of view and directional and distance data may bepresented based on the location associated with the selected physicalvenue or related service.

The teleportation function may be performed and repeated as many timesas needed to allow the user to find local resources in any searchedlocation.

The particular services available for viewing and/or engagement by theuser via the mobile device 1720 using the teleportation function maydepend on whether the access is active or passive.

According to FIG. 18, a flowchart of a method 1800 for searching usingan active teleportation mode is shown. If a selected physical venue orrelated service has a master sensor node 1706 and supports theteleportation function (e.g., includes a teleportation indicator whendisplayed), at step 1802, the user may engage with the venue, forinstance, by making a reservation.

It should be noted that the teleportation function can be initiatedduring a search to create a nested queue schedule to allow zero-waitthroughout a time period, such as a day or even an entire vacation/trip.

Once a reservation has been made (according to method 1300, 1400, or1500, for example), secure keys may be exchanged between the mobiledevice 1720 and the master sensor node 1706, at step 1804 to identifyand authenticate mobile device 1720. At step 1806, with the secure keyfrom the venue, the teleportation indicator on the application 1718 maybe selected. At step 1808, the digital geodetic position of the mobiledevice 1720 (e.g., latitude/longitude) is virtually teleported to thatof the venue to which mobile device 1720 is connected.

In active teleportation mode, the user may be able to use the augmentedreality view to access a 360-degree virtual view of the venue andsurrounding area, with the point of view of a person physically standingin the exact latitude and longitude of the venue location. The mastersensor node 1706 may optionally include a camera, either live streamingor storing 360-degree panoramic images. The application 1718 (inaugmented reality mode) may display the streamed or stored images of thesurrounding area while the user rotates the camera. In activeteleportation mode, the user may also be able to remotely log-in tovenue services and to access venue-specific resources, such as menus,inventories, reservation status, information about other guests (e.g.,whether friends and family members have checked into the venue, or ifnot checked in, their respective ETAs to the venue), and the like. Theuser may also be able to make payments directly to the venue via themobile phone 1720 (e.g., via iPay). FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplarymobile device 1720 displaying application 1718 operating in activeteleportation mode.

According to FIG. 20, a flowchart of a method 2000 for searching using apassive teleportation mode is shown. At step 2002, an absolute location(e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates) of a venue may be enteredinto the application 1718. A user may manually enter the absolutelocation of the venue, if known, or the absolute location may begenerated using a third party service, such as a map engine. If thevenue has a master sensor node 1706, only its absolute location nodewill be used; the application 1718 does not communicate with the mastersensor node 1706 in passive teleportation mode. Passive teleportationmode will also work for venues or points of interest without a mastersensor node 1706, so long as the absolute location of the venue or pointof interest is known.

At step 2004, the digital geodetic position of the mobile device 1720(e.g., latitude/longitude) is virtually teleported to that of theabsolute location of the venue. In passive teleportation mode, the usermay be able to search and view services from the point of view of thevenue location in list view, map view, or augmented reality view.However, access to remote log-in to venue services and venue-specificresources will not be available. Moreover, content specific to a mastersensor node 1706, such as camera content (e.g., 360-degree panoramicimages, live video stream, etc.) may also be unavailable in passiveteleportation mode. FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary mobile device 1720displaying application 1718 operating in passive teleportation mode.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a system 2200 is illustrated according to oneembodiment of the present invention. System 2200 includesidentification, location, and authentication system 100, zero-waitpublishing, searching, and queuing system 500, advertisement system1200, and remote advertisement 1700.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

FIGS. 23 through 41 show multiple exemplary embodiments of theinvention, which illustrate various industrial applications of theinvention, among other things.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a topology of an identification, location, andauthentication system (1) is shown. A master sensor node or a pluralityof master sensor nodes located in a physical venue each connected to abroadband network channel (2); a plurality of sensors in the physicalvenue (3); the plurality of sensors in communication with the mastersensor node over a wireless network channel or each having its ownbroadband network channel (4) wherein the plurality of sensors, and themaster sensor node are communicatively coupled to a mobile device over aradio frequency network channel (5); wherein the master sensor node orplurality of sensors identifies a mobile device and its location withinproximity of itself (6); wherein the master sensor node authenticatesthe mobile device ID and location to the third party (7); and whereinthe third party system authenticates the master sensor node and locationand acknowledges mobile device authentication verification to theservice (8); wherein the third party receives authentication of themobile device and provides the mobile device access to a networkconnection associated with the third party (9).

Referring now to FIG. 24, a topology of a single-node use case of anidentification, location, and authentication system is shown. A sensornode authenticates a mobile device ID and position to receive reservedcontent.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a topology of a multi-node use case of anidentification, location, and authentication system is shown. A sensornode authenticates a mobile device ID and position to receive reservedcontent.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a topology of a single-node use case of anidentification, location, and authentication system is shown. A sensornode authenticates a mobile device ID and position that is requestingcontent service from sensor node.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a topology of a multi-node use case of anidentification, location, and authentication system is shown. A sensornode authenticates a mobile device ID & Position that is requestingcontent service from sensor node.

Referring now to FIG. 28, a topology of a single-node use case of anidentification, location, and authentication system is shown. A sensornode authenticates a mobile device ID and position to a requestingcontent service.

Referring now to FIG. 29, a topology of a multi-node use case of anidentification, location, and authentication system is shown. A sensornode authenticates a mobile device ID and position to a requestingcontent service.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a diagram of authentication levels of anidentification, location, and authentication system. The three levelsare: zone, session, and service.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a procedural flow diagram of zero-wait mobileconsumer engagement life cycle technology is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a topology of a channel sensor(direct-to-consumer offer publish, subscribe, and search cloud) system(1) is shown. A master sensor node or a plurality of master sensor nodeslocated in a physical venue or remotely, connected to a broadbandnetwork channel (2); a plurality of sensors in a physical venue (3), theplurality of sensors in communication with the master sensor node over awireless network channel or broadband network channel (4), a CloudDeal/Offer Service (COS) (5), communicatively coupled to a master sensornode or plurality of master sensor nodes located in a physical venue orremotely, connected to a broadband network channel (6), andcommunicatively coupled to one or more mobile devices, over a cellularor broadband network channel (7), a web application user interface usedto author and publish (8) one or more deal/offers to the clouddeal/offer service (COS) (9), wherein the cloud deal/offer service (COS)communicates with a master sensor node or at least one plurality ofsensors to obtain (10) wherein each of a plurality of deal/offers isassociated with a specific master sensor node or one or more of aplurality of sensor identities, locations and services (11), and storedin the cloud deal/offer service (COS) (12), a mobile deal/offer searchapp installed on a mobile device (13), wherein the plurality ofdeal/offers, and the Cloud Deal/Offer Service are communicativelycoupled to a mobile device over a cellular or broadband network channel(14); wherein the mobile deal/offer search app locates and requests adeal/offer from the Cloud Deal/Offer/Service (COS) (15), and the CloudDeal Offer Service (COS) retrieves and sends the deal offer couponelectronically to the mobile deal/offer search app, and stores thecoupon in the app (16).

Referring now to FIG. 33, a topology of a channel sensor teleportationoperation (remote IoT sensor search, teleport, and search procedure)system is shown. A remote location centric advertisement search andengagement system (1) comprising: a geographical distribution of mastersensor nodes and plurality of sensors at physical retail venues,business transaction points and points of information (2), a pluralityof master sensor nodes or a plurality of sensors located in a physicalvenue or other points of interest, connected directly or indirectly to abroadband network channel (3), and that are geodetically positionedabsolutely with latitude, longitude, height and identifying datum value(4); the plurality of master sensors nodes or plurality of sensors arephysically installed (5), and ordered in a cloud hosted databaselogically according to their business, service, product or topiccategories (6), communicatively coupled to one or more mobile devices,over a cellular or broadband network channel (7), wherein the mobiledevice has a search app connected to the channel sensor cloud databaseby accessing an API allowing the mobile app to filter venues and theirservices based on the business, service, product or topic categories(8), wherein the filtered items may be presented in a limited field ofview to allow directional and distance deterministic selections (9),wherein the mobile device with the search app is able to display localsearch results in multiple views, using motion sensors and a flexible UXthat may include a list view, a map view, a camera augmented realityview, a heads up display view or a virtual reality view (10), wherein acategory search filters the cloud hosted database to display only searchitems that represent the business, services, products or topicsrequested in the view selected (11), wherein one or more of the viewsmay present a filed of view that displays selected search items (12),practically based on their direction and distances by using sensors onthe mobile device to determine this information by obtaining positionsof both the mobile device and the channel sensor node (13) by selectingan item within the mobile devices search app, the user is able toperform a virtual teleportation to the master sensor node one or more ofthe plurality of sensors by retrieving the position information of thenode from the Channel sensor cloud database and swapping it for thesearch apps physical position used to locate the node being teleportedto (14). The mobile device search app is virtually teleported within theChannel Sensor cloud database to represent the nodes position (15). Anew search will display search items that are distance and directionallyrelated to the teleported node allowing the mobile app to seebusinesses, services, products and topics relative to the nodes location(16), wherein a new search will display items related to the nodeslocation (17) with a search field of view providing directional anddistance information (18) using the mobile devices internal sensors andinformation obtained from the channel sensor cloud database (19),wherein a selection of a unique item within one of the plurality ofsearch views will (20) deliver to the mobile device in its physicallylocation the service requested from the teleported virtual position(21).

Referring now to FIG. 34, architecture for a zero-wait hybrid mobileapplication is shown. Flexible hybrid app distributed architecture iscomprised of: (1) Native widget—that resides on the operating systemdesktop. Operates as a metering and event agent, and manages internalapplication communications, external services communications,notifications and event triggering. (2) API based hybrid app—managesinternal device sensor APIs and external networked service APIs. (3)In-app browser—launches external and third party web services within thehybrid mobile app.

Referring now to FIG. 35, architecture for a native application widgetis shown. (1) Native widget resides on the mobile device operatingsystem desktop to allow instant access and easy monitoring of servicedata without having to open a full screen app. (2) Notification windowallows viewing of internal (mobile device) service data and external(web and network application servers) service data through an APImanaged infrastructure. (3) Service operation button group used tolaunch apps and manage services. (4) Application assignable button, suchas a Search button to launch search screen. (5) Application assignablebutton, such as a chat button to launch communications and socialnetwork services screen. (6) Application assignable button, such as anavigation button to provide tracking, navigation and wayfinding servicescreen. (7) Application assignable button, such as an identity Access orPayment button to allow secure mobile device and end user authenticationto third party systems. (8) Application assignable button, such as ahome button to launch other service and applications.

Referring now to FIG. 36, a hybrid mobile application is illustrated.(1) Hybrid mobile app launches two ways: Manually from a button press bydevice app user. Automatically triggered by location or activity eventassociated with the zero wait service. (2) Integrated into the hybridmobile app and containing user assignable buttons that manage servicesboth on the mobile device and off the mobile device that may be runningover the local network or internet. (3) Window, such as an in-appbrowser, HTML5 canvas element or iFrame element running within thehybrid mobile app to allow third party applications to run within theHybrid mobile app. The third party apps interface to mobile devicesensors through an API provided by the Hybrid mobile app or to local orcloud services through a network API provided by the hybrid mobile app.

Referring now to FIG. 37, a zero-wait services mobile widget applicationin five operating modes is shown.

Mode 1: control manager

Status: Inactive

Services: Manual: button access to apps; Event: location, activity,context triggers to apps and notifications

Mode 2: queue manager

Status: Active

Services: queuing, ETA broadcasting, deals, notifications

Mode 3: connection manger

Status: Active

Services: check-in, deals, queue, pay, notifications, status updates

Mode 4: collaboration manager

Status: Active

Services: follow me notifications, IM, Group chat, private chat

Mode 5: digital cash manager

Status: Active

Services: load money, balance, pay, cash out, transfer funds, history

Referring now to FIG. 38, a virtual queue manager (queuing, ETA andnotification status management) is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 39, a TraQin connection manager (venue/serviceconnection, check-in, zone tracking status management) is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 40, a queue and connection widget views in threefunction modes is shown.

Mode 1: Widget (Inactive)—push buttons to access Zero Wait services

Mode 2: Queuing (Active)—Initiated a queuing session with a property orservice requiring routing, estimated time of arrival (ETA) andnotification services.

Mode 3: Venue Connection (active)—Established a network connection witha property master sensor node or one or more plurality of sensors whileon property.

Referring now to FIG. 41, a zero-wait location-aware event triggeroperation scenario is shown.

The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon review of this disclosure. While the present invention hasbeen described in connection with a variety of embodiments, thesedescriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to theparticular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the presentdescriptions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claim and otherwise appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a mobile device of a userconnected to a wireless network; one or more master sensor nodesconnected to the wireless network; and a plurality of sensors incommunication with the one or more master sensor nodes over the wirelessnetwork; the mobile device configured to download an application from acloud-based registration service, the application operable to: registerthe mobile device to the cloud-based registration service, allow theuser to search for a service provider, wherein the service provider isindependent from the cloud-based registration service and is associatedwith the one or more master sensor nodes and the plurality of sensors,verify an identity of the mobile device, allow the user to create areservation with the service provider, and send the reservation and theidentification of the mobile device to the one or more master nodes viathe cloud-based registration service; the one or more master sensornodes configured to: receive the reservation and the identification fromthe cloud-based registration service, identify a location associatedwith the mobile device, and determine that the mobile device is within apredefined distance from one of the plurality of sensors or from the oneor more master sensor nodes, the plurality of sensors configured to:scan for the mobile device when the mobile device is within thepredefined distance, detect the mobile device, retrieve the reservationfrom the master sensor node, receive a request from the mobile device toauthenticate the identity of the mobile device as being associated withthe reservation and to provide authentication of the service provider tothe mobile device as being associated with the reservation, authenticatethe mobile device as being associated with the reservation, sendauthentication of the service provider as being associated with thereservation to the mobile device, and provide the mobile device accessto a second network connection associated with the service provider. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the location comprises latitude andlongitude coordinates.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the serviceprovider is an online gaming provider.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe service provider is an e-commerce provider.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein the one or more master sensor nodes has been calibrated. 6.The system of claim 5, wherein the calibration is based on at least alocation of the one or more master sensor nodes.
 7. A method comprising:providing one or more master sensor nodes communicatively coupled to amobile device of a user over a wireless network; providing a pluralityof sensors in communication with the one or more master sensor nodesover the wireless network; registering, by an independent cloud-basedregistration service, a service provider associated with the one or moremaster sensor nodes and the plurality of sensors, wherein the mobiledevice is registered with the cloud-based registration service, andwherein the cloud-based registration service identifies the mobiledevice and allows the user to search for the service provider and createa reservation with the service provider; receiving, at the one or moremaster sensor nodes by the cloud-based registration service, theidentification of the mobile device and the reservation; identifying, bythe one or more master sensor nodes, a location associated with themobile device; determining, by the one or more master sensor nodes, thatthe mobile device is within a predefined distance from one of theplurality of sensors or from the one or more master sensor nodes;scanning, for the mobile device when the mobile device is within thepredefined distance; detecting, by the plurality of sensors, the mobiledevice; retrieving, by the plurality of sensors, the reservation fromthe master sensor node; receiving, by the plurality of sensors, arequest from the mobile device to authenticate the identity of themobile device as being associated with the reservation and to provideauthentication of the service provider to the mobile device as beingassociated with the reservation; authenticating, by the plurality ofsensors, the mobile device as being associated with the reservation;sending, by the plurality of sensors, authentication of the serviceprovider as being associated with the reservation to the mobile device;and providing the mobile device access to a second network connectionassociated with the service provider.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe location comprises latitude and longitude coordinates.
 9. The methodof claim 7, wherein the service provider is an online gaming provider.10. The method of claim 7, wherein the service provider is an e-commerceprovider.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more mastersensor nodes has been calibrated.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe calibration is based on at least a location of the one or moremaster sensor nodes.
 13. A system comprising: a mobile device of a userconnected to a wireless network; one or more calibrated master sensornodes connected to the wireless network; and a plurality of sensors incommunication with the one or more master sensor nodes over the wirelessnetwork; the mobile device configured to download an application from acloud-based registration service, the application operable to: registerthe mobile device to the cloud-based registration service, allow theuser to search for a service provider, wherein the service provider isindependent from the cloud-based registration service and is associatedwith the one or more master sensor nodes and the plurality of sensors,verify an identity of the mobile device, allow the user to create areservation with the service provider, send the reservation and theidentification of the mobile device to the one or more master nodes viathe cloud-based registration service; the one or more master sensornodes configured to: identify a location associated with the mobiledevice, determine an estimated time of arrival of the mobile device tothe service provider; receive the reservation, and the identification,location, and the estimated time of arrival of the mobile device fromthe cloud-based registration service, determine that the mobile deviceis within a predefined distance from one of the plurality of sensors orfrom the one or more master sensor nodes, the plurality of sensorsconfigured to: scan for the mobile device when the mobile device iswithin the predefined distance, detect the mobile device, retrieve thereservation from the master sensor node, receive a request from themobile device to authenticate the identity of the mobile device as beingassociated with the reservation and to provide authentication of theservice provider to the mobile device as being associated with thereservation authenticate the mobile device as being associated with thereservation, send authentication of the service provider as beingassociated with the reservation to the mobile device, and provide themobile device access to a second network connection associated with theservice provider.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the serviceprovider is an online gaming provider.
 15. The system of claim 13,wherein the service provider is an e-commerce provider.
 16. The systemof claim 13, wherein the calibration of the one or more master sensornodes is based on at least a location of the one or more master sensornodes.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein one or more master nodes areIoT radio frequency actuator nodes.
 18. The system of claim 13, whereinthe plurality of sensors is further configured to require at least oneadditional factor from the mobile device before authenticating themobile device to the service provider.
 19. The system of claim 5,wherein the one or more master sensor nodes has been calibrated by:moving the one or more master sensor nodes to an obstruction-freelocation, obtaining a first location of the one or more master sensornodes, and seating the one or more master sensor nodes in a secondlocation associated with the service provider within a predeterminedamount of time.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the one or moremaster sensor nodes maintains a calibrated status until the one or moremaster sensor nodes is moved from the second location.
 21. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the service provider is a physical property deliveringstreaming or downloadable content.
 22. The system of claim 21, whereinthe service provider is one of a casino, a movie theater, and a concerthall.
 23. The method of claim 7, wherein the service provider is aphysical property delivering streaming or downloadable content.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the service provider is one of a casino, amovie theater, and a concert hall.
 25. The system of claim 13, whereinthe service provider is a physical property delivering streaming ordownloadable content.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the serviceprovider is one of a casino, a movie theater, and a concert hall. 27.The system of claim 13, wherein one or more of the plurality of sensorsare IoT radio frequency actuator nodes.